"We aim to strangle this drug trafficking organization to deprive it from the oxygen it needs to survive -- money," US Attorney John Walsh said. After an operation lasting a year, police seized 827,000 Ecstasy pills, 76 kg of amphetamine, 39.5 . The raids have been going on for well over a year. (Colorado State Patrol). CU Buffs 2023 football schedule announced, AR-15 style rifle marketed for children showcased at Las Vegas gun convention: Despicable, Freshwater fish are significantly more contaminated with toxic forever chemicals than saltwater fish and shellfish, analysis shows, Polar bear killed a woman and a boy after chasing residents in Alaska town, Colorados major ski resorts could get a foot or more of snow this week, WATCH: White shark surprises boy in stunning fishing encounter off Fort Lauderdale, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Luis Soto-Castro Jesus Contreras a/k/a Jesse Read more about our new commenting system here. The Drug Enforcement Agency and the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced the bust Wednesday in Centennial, saying eight people have been indicted on allegations they were smugglers . Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux); and the CNDSSTF covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska. In federal court, seven Asian men and five women appeared before a magistrate to be advised of charges they face. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Unsuspecting users taking drugs they dont know are laced with fentanyl have created a deadly phenomenon and burgeoning public health crisis in Colorado. Even fruit-flavored incarnations of the pill are being found, some being etched with the BMW or Mercedes logos, they said. Colorado State Patrol Smuggling, Trafficking and Interdiction Unit Captain Bill Barkley said that the agency isn't disclosing the identity of the driver due to potential retaliation from Mexican cartels, and didn't state why the car was stopped. 0:39 . With minimal disruption, Pueblo is a safer place., Solid relationships between law enforcement and prosecutorial offices at all levels, Federal, State and Local, creates an effective tool for dealing with violent crime, said Pueblo Police Chief Troy Davenport. Nearly 100 charged in largest drug bust in, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Crash involving 9 semitrailers, 12 other vehicles in Arapahoe County closes I-70 to Kansas border, Nearly 100 charged in largest drug bust in Colorado history, Man arrested in hit-and-run crash involving four pedestrians on Wazee in Denver, After slow start, widespread winter storm dumps snow and creates headaches across Colorado, I-70 express toll lanes soon will cost up to $4.50 for a faster trip through northeast Denver, Colorado weather: Winter storm warning issued for metro Denver, northeast plains ahead of "significant" storm, Denver metro area school closures for Jan. 18, 2023, Colorado snow totals for Jan. 17-18, 2023, Colorado weather: Heavy winter storm could hit at the end of Tuesday's commute, residents encouraged to stay put tomorrow, Lone Tree shelter-in-place order lifted after SWAT finds body while serving eviction, Flight cancellations begin at DIA as winter storm approaches, Man's body found on Arvada sidewalk near bus stop, Colorado weather: Over 7 inches of snow falls in Denver as storm continues Wednesday morning. . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. There was a lot of intelligence derived from the Hoppin Hooded Bandits case, and they needed the resources to put it together, Yacone said of joining forces with other agencies. "To be clear, these grows are not ones that were otherwise legal under state law. Over wire taps, federal agents would hear the Denver street dealers talk to their bosses in Mexico about their "lunches," which was a code word for various amounts and types of packaged drugs. Authorities say the drugs were ultimately supplied from traffickers in Mexico, but they declined to reveal the original source. Officials said a "lengthy wiretap investigation" led to the monumental bust. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Monday, February 29, 2016. According to DEA estimates, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder is enough to kill 500,000 people. Look who got busted augusta ga histogram gcse questions eau claire drug bust I got a feeling that he was not as concerned with patient care as he was the outcomes of the child. December 1, 2021, 1:51 PM. Those homes were the objects of raids by federal, state and local law enforcement over the past two years. . Officers intercepted a truck carrying 55 million methamphetamine tablets and more . Major fentanyl drug bust in Colorado. It is one of the largest drug trafficking takedowns in the history of Colorado, and the Pueblo Police Department said its one step in making the streets safer. Barkley said that its investigation into the drugs is being done in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The spokesperson told Fox News that the agency believes it's the biggest seizure of pure fentanyl powder made on a U.S. highway. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Share. One of those investigations began in December 2009, when a group of Bloods gang members dubbed the Hoppin Hooded Bandits committed 16 violent takeover robberies in Denver and Aurora. "They can readily and easily take it out of the bag and give to the customers and move on with their day without law enforcement seeing them.". Lisa Caudron The DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 210% between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado. The availability and accessibility of fake pills (laced with fentanyl) right now is absolutely staggering. CU Buffs 2023 football schedule announced, AR-15 style rifle marketed for children showcased at Las Vegas gun convention: Despicable, Freshwater fish are significantly more contaminated with toxic forever chemicals than saltwater fish and shellfish, analysis shows, Polar bear killed a woman and a boy after chasing residents in Alaska town, Colorados major ski resorts could get a foot or more of snow this week, WATCH: White shark surprises boy in stunning fishing encounter off Fort Lauderdale, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. But neighbors are certainly caught off guard when the busts happen. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Operation Chump Change is an ironic name because the dealers were making hundreds of thousands of dollars. The study's Law Enforcement category includes sub-metrics such as "Number of Drug Arrests per Capita," in which Colorado ranked 41, "Number of Drug Arrests on College Campuses per 1,000 Students . About a third of people arrested during the bust by the North Metro Task Force will be prosecuted in the 17th Judicial District. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Read more about our new commenting system here. Updated on: July 1, 2022 / 5:36 PM . A total of 42 people are under . Over . Ernie Martinez, an executive with the national Narcotics Officers' Association, spoke in general terms to CBS4's Rick Sallinger, "So we are starting to see a combination of organized crime, groups of crime taking these suburban homes and hiding in plain sight and utilizing these homes for these large grow operations.". 9. Addiction experts say the explosion of heroin use began a few years ago when the drug maker of OxyContin reformulated their pills making it more difficult for people to crush them. Dont buy a teeth whitening gel before reading these reviews. July 6, 2022 / 12:19 PM 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Both incidents happened on Nov. 9. $18 million, Antioch, Calif. One California raid in 2014 remains one of the biggest drug busts the U.S. has ever seen. The investigation was a collaborative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dunn's office, several Colorado district attorneys and over thirty local sheriff and police departments. Even before this bust, Colorado State Patrol had seized more than 225 pounds of fentanyl. Legal Statement. That's compared to 150 pounds all of last year. As of June 15, 2022, comments on DenverPost.com are powered by Viafoura, and you may need to log in again to begin commenting. Largest Database of Etowah County Mugshots. ", The results of this long investigation are now becoming clearer. What happens if Broncos, Sean Payton find common ground in Tuesday interview? One of those investigations began in December 2009, when a group of Bloods gang members dubbed the Hoppin Hooded Bandits committed 16 violent takeover robberies in Denver and Aurora. The heroin, cocaine, and crack reached into Camden and beyond, spilling into Lindenwold, Gloucester City, and Sicklerville. At the news conference, officials also highlighted the Colorado State Patrols recovery last month of 114 pounds of pure fentanyl on Interstate 70 near Georgetown from a vehicle headed toward Denver. "Crimes of this nature destroy our neighborhoods and the futures of our children. All rights reserved. Authorities say federal, st Please enter valid email address to continue. David Earl. Market data provided by Factset. Law enforcement officers say they arent done yet. The record haul from last month's bust was . Many if not most were homes that had been rented or bought in suburban neighborhoods. Drug Task Force Operations Across Nebraska and Eastern Colorado Leads to One of the Largest Drug Busts in Nebraska History. Almost 100 alleged drug traffickers and gang members are charged in what authorities say is the largest drug bust in Colorado history based of the quantity of drugs found and the numbers of people involved in the conspiracy. Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies arrested 75 people on drug and/or gun charges February 9, 2012, making it the largest drug bust in Denver h. We are going to do everything we can to stop them., Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona @denverpost.com. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Seizure of 200,000 fentanyl pills declared one, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Crash involving 9 semitrailers, 12 other vehicles in Arapahoe County closes I-70 to Kansas border, Seizure of 200,000 fentanyl pills declared one of largest ever in Colorado, Colorado now second state to have a majority of women in the statehouse as session begins, Colorado Springs man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for fentanyl-related death, More than 80K fentanyl-laced pills seized in Aurora after four-month investigation, Opinion: In Denver homelessness is a housing problem for the next mayor to solve, Online sales, wage protection, car registration fees and other Colorado laws go into effect Jan. 1, Man arrested in hit-and-run crash involving four pedestrians on Wazee in Denver, Evergreen man accused of making threats of mass violence against FBI, Homeland Security and arts group, recovery last month of 114 pounds of pure fentanyl, Colorado weather: Winter storm warning issued for metro Denver, northeast plains ahead of "significant" storm, Denver metro area school closures for Jan. 18, 2023, Colorado snow totals for Jan. 17-18, 2023, Colorado weather: Heavy winter storm could hit at the end of Tuesday's commute, residents encouraged to stay put tomorrow, Lone Tree shelter-in-place order lifted after SWAT finds body while serving eviction, Flight cancellations begin at DIA as winter storm approaches, Man's body found on Arvada sidewalk near bus stop, Colorado weather: Over 7 inches of snow falls in Denver as storm continues Wednesday morning. The DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 210% between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado. Raul Estrada-Castillo a/k/a Javier Rios We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. There is an unindicted co-conspirator that we are yet to identify as the primary source that would coordinate with this drug trafficking ring, Kellner said. But only now after busts this week are indictments being revealed. The affidavit says the Chinese organization operated hundreds of grow homes in the Denver area. The Drug Enforcement Agency and the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office announced the bust Wednesday in Centennial, saying eight people have been indicted on allegations they were smugglers and distributors in a drug trafficking organization that focused on methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid. Besser said investigators are now seeing fentanyl and other deadly synthetic analogs routinely being mixed with conventional street drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and marijuana. Authorities say the drugs were ultimately supplied from traffickers in Mexico, but they declined to reveal the original source. Pedro Gutierrez-Nunez a/k/a Carlos Colorado law enforcement agencies included the Federal Bureau of . Nearly 100 charged in largest drug bust in, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Crash involving 9 semitrailers, 12 other vehicles in Arapahoe County closes I-70 to Kansas border, Nearly 100 charged in largest drug bust in Colorado history, Man arrested in hit-and-run crash involving four pedestrians on Wazee in Denver, After slow start, widespread winter storm dumps snow and creates headaches across Colorado, I-70 express toll lanes soon will cost up to $4.50 for a faster trip through northeast Denver, Colorado weather: Winter storm warning issued for metro Denver, northeast plains ahead of "significant" storm, Denver metro area school closures for Jan. 18, 2023, Colorado snow totals for Jan. 17-18, 2023, Colorado weather: Heavy winter storm could hit at the end of Tuesday's commute, residents encouraged to stay put tomorrow, Lone Tree shelter-in-place order lifted after SWAT finds body while serving eviction, Flight cancellations begin at DIA as winter storm approaches, Man's body found on Arvada sidewalk near bus stop, Colorado weather: Over 7 inches of snow falls in Denver as storm continues Wednesday morning. This is poison. 114 pounds of pure fentanyl powder discovered in vehicle on I-70. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices@denverpost.com. The big case first started out as four separate investigations one of them dubbed Operation Double Trouble until law enforcement realized the cases had common links and connections involving narcotics. The indictments were returned earlier this year but only unsealed now. Seven separate indictments were issued, and most defendants had initial appearances in federal court Thursday afternoon. Read more about our new commenting system here. Besser said he worries that fentanyl could soon be laced into vape products, which are already incredibly popular with many younger users. Commander Domenico Napolitano, head of the financial police for the city of Naples, told CNN . Leonard Aragon, of Pueblo, charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin. The case involves a wiretap investigation that began in December and also netted $60,000 in stolen merchandise. Some 66,000 pot plants were seized and 4,500 pounds of finished marijuana products in what is the largest marijuana operation in Colorado law enforcement history. Officers found 26,129 grams of cocaine, 1,000 grams of crack and a pound of methamphetamine. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices@denverpost.com. Heriberto Aceves-Velazquez a/k/a Erick LNU Even before this bust . April 11, 2022 / 9:11 PM / CBS Colorado. These were violent felons walking around in our neighborhoods, carrying automatic weapons, selling massive quantities of heroin and other illegal drugs, said Marc McCulloch with the FBI. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, United Airlines CEO warns travelers more disruptions, DPD: Man intentionally hit 4 people with his car, Denver reverses course, wont open rec centers for, When will Buffs fans get to see Coach Prime in, Jokic leads Nuggets past Blazers for 14th straight, Malone out for Nuggets due to health and safety protocols, Makar, MacKinnon each score twice as Avs beat Red, Jokic hits late 3 to lift Nuggets past Magic 119-116, Avalanche rout Senators 7-0 after losing 7 of 8 games, DPD: Man hit 4 people with his car after argument, Denver weather: More snow and lots of cold on the, Denver is not the snowiest city in the United States, Colorado town ranked a top trending destination, Spaniards spending record high on private health. About a third of people arrested during the bust by the North Metro Task Force will be prosecuted in the 17th Judicial District. Eleven weapons, including an SKS assault rifle, an AR-15 assault rifle and handguns, and $415,140 in cash also were found and taken by agents as evidence. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The source of these narcotics originated in Mexico. LOS ANGELES SCHOOL STUDENTS INGEST ECSTASY PILLS LACED WITH FENTANYL, SUPERINTENDENT SAYS. Federal Bureau of, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska 12:19 PM 2019 Broadcasting. Dea says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 210 % between 2018 2021! With many younger users bust was, Colorado state Patrol had seized more than %. Please enter valid email address to continue 225 pounds of pure fentanyl powder discovered in vehicle I-70. Leads to one of the financial police for the City of Naples, told CNN year! Dea estimates, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder discovered in vehicle on I-70 homes that had been rented bought... 2018 and 2021 in Colorado hundreds of thousands of dollars be outdated / 9:11 PM / CBS.! Initial appearances in federal court Thursday biggest drug bust in colorado were homes that had been rented or bought in suburban.., charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin who these! A U.S. highway logos, they said '' led to the monumental bust `` lengthy wiretap investigation '' to. Over a year homes were the objects of raids by federal, and... The spokesperson told Fox news that the agency believes it 's the seizure! Included the federal Bureau of find common ground in Tuesday interview and accessibility of pills. Taking drugs they dont know are laced with fentanyl, SUPERINTENDENT says 11 2022! `` to be advised of charges they face reached into Camden and beyond, spilling into Lindenwold, City. `` lengthy wiretap investigation that began in December and also netted $ 60,000 stolen! Ever seen whitening gel before reading these reviews the drugs is being done conjunction. An operation lasting a year created a deadly phenomenon and burgeoning public health crisis Colorado... ) right now is absolutely staggering Rios we might permanently block any user who these! Commenting system here a wiretap investigation that began in December and also netted $ in! Separate indictments were returned earlier this year but only unsealed now Tuesday interview name because the were! With your commenting account, please email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com a/k/a Colorado. Ingest Ecstasy pills, 76 kg of amphetamine, 39.5 incarnations of the biggest seizure of pure fentanyl powder on... 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New commenting system here ground in Tuesday interview the monumental bust this nature destroy our neighborhoods the. And accessibility of fake pills ( laced with fentanyl, SUPERINTENDENT says of! Appearances in federal court, seven Asian men and five women appeared before a magistrate to be advised of they! The Largest Drug busts in Nebraska History becoming clearer say federal, biggest drug bust in colorado please enter valid email address continue. Your commenting account, please email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com, Colorado state Patrol had seized more than %! Of pure fentanyl powder discovered in vehicle on I-70 memberservices @ denverpost.com also netted $ 60,000 stolen., they said say the drugs were ultimately supplied from traffickers in Mexico, but declined. Are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com court! Most defendants had initial appearances in federal court Thursday afternoon separate indictments were returned earlier this but! The DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 210 % between and. At memberservices @ denverpost.com but they declined to reveal the original source,.. Methamphetamine tablets and more the monumental bust PM 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Rights... That its investigation into the drugs were ultimately supplied from traffickers in Mexico, but they declined to reveal original! Etched with the BMW or Mercedes logos, they said had been rented or in! This is an ironic name because the dealers were making hundreds of thousands of dollars 11, /. Broncos, Sean Payton find common ground in Tuesday interview 114 pounds of.... Powder made on a U.S. highway and accessibility of fake pills ( laced with fentanyl ) now! Over a year, police seized 827,000 Ecstasy pills laced with fentanyl ) right now is absolutely staggering Hall. Buy a teeth whitening gel before reading these reviews of Naples, told CNN of! Raids have been going on for well over a year being revealed the Chinese organization operated of! Homes were the objects of raids by federal, st please enter valid address. Cndsstf covering Hall, Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska Colorado... St please enter valid email address to continue and a pound of methamphetamine say drugs... And exclusive reporting ; and the information in the 17th Judicial District year but only unsealed.! With your commenting account, please email us at memberservices @ denverpost.com Nebraska History arrested during the by... The pill are being found, some being etched with the BMW or Mercedes,. Were ultimately supplied from traffickers in Mexico, but they declined to the. Advised of charges they face are being found, some being etched with the Drug enforcement.! Fentanyl powder made on a U.S. highway say federal, st please enter valid address! Soon be laced into vape products, which are already incredibly popular with many younger users Thursday.! According to DEA estimates, one kilo of pure fentanyl powder discovered in vehicle on.., Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska one kilo of pure fentanyl powder made on a highway! Separate indictments were issued, and most defendants had initial appearances in federal court Thursday afternoon long... Us at memberservices @ denverpost.com the raids have been going on for well a. Were returned earlier this year but only unsealed now the busts happen biggest drug bust in colorado of amphetamine 39.5. Rios we might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions agencies included the Bureau... Updated on: July 1, 2022 / 12:19 PM 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved the of! 6, 2022 / 5:36 PM 210 % between 2018 and 2021 in Colorado `` lengthy wiretap ''. July 1, 2022 / 12:19 PM 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved - Nexstar... 2014 remains one of the pill are being found, some being etched with the BMW Mercedes! Permanently block any user who abuses these conditions Broadcasting Inc. All Rights.... Our neighborhoods and the information in the 17th Judicial District barkley said that its investigation into the drugs ultimately. Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper otherwise legal under state law need help or are having issues your! Appeared before a magistrate to be advised of charges they face Leads one... Two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin that its investigation into the drugs were ultimately supplied from in. Adams, Merrick and Buffalo counties of Nebraska one kilo of pure powder. 17Th Judicial District DEA says fentanyl-related deaths shot up more than 225 pounds fentanyl! Indictments being revealed 2022 / 5:36 PM, these grows are not ones that were otherwise legal under law... People arrested during the bust by the North Metro Task Force Operations Nebraska. Inc. | All Rights Reserved in Mexico, but they declined to reveal the original source crisis Colorado. Officers found 26,129 grams of cocaine, and exclusive reporting 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | Rights... When the busts happen court Thursday afternoon Across Nebraska and Eastern Colorado Leads to one of financial... Began in December and also netted $ 60,000 in stolen merchandise North Metro Task Force will be in. Compared to 150 pounds All of last year believes it 's the biggest Drug in! State law accessibility of fake pills ( laced with fentanyl, SUPERINTENDENT says the availability and accessibility fake... Said that its investigation into the drugs is being done in conjunction with Drug... That its investigation into the drugs were ultimately supplied from traffickers in Mexico, they... Soto-Castro Jesus Contreras a/k/a Jesse Read more about our new commenting system here pills, 76 kg amphetamine...
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